by Dani René
As we pull into the driveway, Ben is already bouncing in his seat. He always enjoys spending time here; I think it has more to do with the swimming pool since ours is still being repaired.
“Hey, Ivy.”
“Luke, you have an energetic boy today.” I smile, giving him a hug.
“Jayce.”
“Uncle Luke, I have my flippers for the sea.” We all laugh at the enthusiasm of our little guy.
“That’s awesome, why don’t you head into the kitchen, Cassie has something for you.” Before he runs off, Jayce grabs him, lifting him into a tight hug and I give him a kiss.
“Bye Mom, bye Dad.” With a small wave, he runs off inside.
“Will you both be okay today?”
“Yeah, we’ll be home by about three, I doubt it will take that long, it’s only my mom’s testimony. I don’t know what the outcome will be.”
“Good luck, darling.” Luke leans in and gives me a hug.
“Thank you.”
Once we’re on the road again, I can’t stop my hands from trembling. Jayce reaches for my thigh and gives it a squeeze. “I am right here.”
“I should tell you that as well. Your mom is doing this and I feel as if it’s all my family’s fault, I suppose it is because my father did so many unforgivable things.”
“Babe, don’t let that get to you. I love you, there isn’t anything that will come between us again. Yes, your father did things that are unforgivable, but my mother is not innocent in this. She could have stepped forward a long time ago.”
I am silent for the rest of the journey to the courthouse. My thoughts running rampant and my heart is kicking behind my ribcage. Once Jayce parks the car, we head into the vast building and search for the room where they’re holding the arraignment. It’s smaller than I thought, and empty except for the lawyers and guards.
We slip into the bench seats and wait. There’s a strange calmness in the room, Jayce’s hand slips into mine, warming me, giving me a sense of relief. I need to stay calm and not upset myself too much, it’s not healthy for the baby.
It’s time I look after myself, and not only for me, but for my future husband and children. My family. A smile tugs on my face, just then the baby kicks and a gasp escapes my lips.
“You okay, Firefly?” I nod quickly, my hand immediately flies to my belly. Stroking small circles trying to ease the sensation of a million butterflies all coming alive at once and trying to fight their way out.
“Jayce…” Darkness consumes me before I can say more.
Three months later
Since moving in we’ve settled into the house, and once all the boxes were discarded, it’s been a dream. We’re ten minutes from Luke and Cassie and the girls have grown close, spending time working on the nursery and planning the wedding. Ivy has taken to LA like she’s always lived here.
Kenna moved back to New York to be with Cole, but there’s still something she’s keeping from him, I can tell when I talk to her, but she assured me she’ll sort it out. I spoke to her two days ago, and she mentioned they’d be here for Christmas. She’s definitely a different person to the one I met a year ago.
Ivy’s father was convicted for fraud by trying to takeover Verán Industries with his accomplice Claudia Verán. Her daughter, who had attacked Cassandra and played a major part in the events of last year has also been convicted. It seems like we may have drama free days ahead which I am looking forward to.
My mother is in a rehab down the road, and we’re trying to rebuild our relationship. It’s strange to spend time with a mother that doesn’t know you at all. It has been difficult, but the least I can do is give her a second chance; more like a third or fourth, but who’s counting.
“Dad, did you put a baby in mommy’s tummy?” The question comes out of nowhere and knocks me on my ass. The coffee I was gulping sputters all over my white shirt. Glancing at the innocent blue eyes staring up at me with curiosity, I can’t help chuckling at his question.
“Go and ask your mom, but don’t tell her I said you should.” I wink and watch him run up the stairs. Ivy is now almost at full term and she’s sporting the sexiest baby bump. I didn’t realize that she could get any sexier, more perfect than she already is, but she’s glowing with the pregnancy and she looks good enough to eat.
Shaking my head of the dirty thoughts, I recall the day my life felt like it was about to end and I almost lost Ivy again, the day of the trial.
I have known fear, but that event in the courthouse when she collapsed, my world stopped turning. There wasn’t anything I could do to wake her up. Scooping her in my arms, I rushed out to the car, and drove like a madman to the hospital.
Panic, fear, and adrenalin got me there safely, and when the doctor gave me her test results, I wanted to kiss him. She was so stressed that she didn’t have her normal breakfast and by the time we were seated in the courthouse, the heat and her low blood pressure caused her to faint.
He put her on a drip and thankfully she could come home later that same day. Our baby is healthy and she will be meeting us soon.
Elizabeth Ivy Alexander
“Jayce Alexander!” That screech tells me Ben ratted me out and as I make my way up to the bedroom, I find her sitting on the bed in black lingerie. The bra cups her ample breasts, the small bikini panties hug her hips and I can only imagine how hot her ass must look in those.
“You hollered?” I flop into the armchair in our bedroom and watch her.
“I sent our son to his room, I need to talk to you.” She pushes up and stalks to the door. As soon as it clicks, the tension in the air is thick with desire.
“What’s up, Firefly?” Her blue stare rakes over me. I have a meeting with the lawyer this afternoon to finalize the paperwork to open our own company. She wants to write, and I want to venture on my own, doing photography.
My shirt needs changing, but the way she’s staring at me is evidence enough that there’s something my girl is hungry for and I would be more than happy to oblige her.
“Did you tell Ben to ask me about sex?” A deep chuckle vibrates through my chest, and when I lift my gaze to the beautiful woman standing in front of me, I notice she’s definitely not smiling.
“No. I told him that you’d be better at explaining if I put a baby in your belly.”
“You’re insufferable, you know that?”
“Come here.” She spins on her heel, glaring, but if there’s one thing I know, it’s that she can’t stay angry with me for too long. There is no way she can deny me.
I grip her wrist and pull her onto my lap. “Straddle me.” She reaches out, holding my shoulders, and she places a knee on either side of my thighs.
“Jayce—”
“Shh...” My fingers skim the smooth, delicate skin on her hips and I watch a shudder travel over her body, and can’t help smirking. Lowering my left hand, I tease my way up her inner thighs. “You’re so warm. Will you be quiet for me?”
Peering down at me with hooded eyes, my girl looks beautiful, flushed, turned on, and ready for me to be inside her. She nods, biting her lip and I know she won’t be quiet.
Slipping my index finger under the soft lace of her panties, stroking her slick, scorching pussy. “Fuck baby, you’re dripping on my finger, I need you on my dick.”
Her hands drop to my belt and zipper, making quick work of both and when her soft warm hand grips my thick cock, a low growl vibrates through my chest. I grab the material of her lace panties and rip them off in one quick motion.
“I liked those.” Her pout is sexy as fuck and all I need is to feel her.
“I’ll buy you more.” Grabbing her hips in a vice like hold, I lower her on my rigid erection. The heat of her tight little cunt squeezes my dick as I sink into her. Our eyes meet and the love shining in her blue pools draw me in. Like they have done time and again. “Making love to you is like coming home. I have finally got all I ever wanted and needed.”
I reach up and pull the cups of her bra do
wn, her pink nipples are tight peaks, ready for me to taste them. Darting my tongue out, I lave at her breasts and revel in her taste—vanilla and strawberries. I suck a nipple into my mouth, grazing my teeth over the hard bud.
“Jayce, please.” I glance up, her normally sky blue pools are dark and filled with yearning. I know what she needs. Gripping both her wrists, I hold them behind her.
“That what you want? For me to restrain you while you ride my cock?” I smirk at her, those sexy hips rock back and forth as she takes her pleasure from me. Her soft moans echo in our bedroom. Her body is beautiful with our baby growing inside her.
“God.” She hisses.
“That’s it, Firefly. Ride me. I am all yours.” My tone is tight with emotion because this is what she does to me. Her body tightens and I know she’s close, although I would prefer to play, I know we don’t have time.
“Flash…” Her whimpers are getting louder. I reach up and place my hand over her mouth to muffle the sounds tumbling from her lips.
“That’s my girl, fuck my cock. Give me your orgasm, baby. Milk my fucking dick and take my cum.” My filthy words spur her on and she bucks on me. My own release is close as I watch her move above me. My balls tighten, and a growl rumbles in my chest. “Now, Firefly.”
She tenses and spams above me, as she soaks my cock, balls, and slacks with her sweet honey. When she collapses on me, I hold her as if she’s my anchor, and I’m drowning in the depths of the ocean. “Are you okay? Did I hurt you? The baby?” She leans back and my cock twitches inside her.
Blue eyes are shiny with unshed tears and my heart kicks into high gear.
“No, you didn’t. I just love you.”
“I love you too, Ivy. You know that.” I cup her face in my hands, pulling her closer. Our lips meet in a fiery kiss and I lick into her mouth, tasting the sweetness that is my soon to be wife. We’ve decided to wait until our little girl is born to get married. “You look incredible with my baby inside you.” With a light stroke over her belly, I press a kiss on her lips.
“I’m happy Jayce, for the first time in years. We’re finally here and it’s just hit me all at once and of course, pregnancy hormones make me extra emotional.”
“I’m just going to have to give you extra love.” The wince on her face as I slip out of her doesn’t go unnoticed and I feather kisses on her cheeks. I lift her and walk towards the bed, setting her down gently.
“Where are you going?”
“You forgot? I have to head to the lawyer, but first you need a cloth, stay there.” I grab a washcloth from the bathroom wetting it with warm water and make my way back to my beautiful love. Once we’re both cleaned up and I change my shirt and give her a peck. “See you in a couple of hours, Firefly.”
“Okay, then you can come home and give your son the ‘birds and bees’ talk.” Her gaze follows me as I walk out the door. There is no way I am answering her. She’s baiting me, and I am not getting into this right now.
All I have to look forward to is marrying the woman that completes me. Her love has given me a life I am proud of; she’s also given me a family.
All our shattered pieces make us who we are, and when you have that one person who takes your pieces, and glues them back together with their love, take my advice, don’t let go. That’s what I do for her, and what she does for me.
My Love.
My Life.
My Firefly.
The music that inspired this book
Hurts Like Hell – Fleurie
The One That Got Away – The Civil Wars
The Blowers Daughter – Damien Rice
Still – Daughter
You’ve Haunted Me All My Life – Death Cab for Cutie
Sorry – Meg Myers
Start Again – Red
Broken Ones – Jacquie Lee
Tell Me You Love Me – Boy Epic
Always – Bon Jovi
Don’t Let Me Go – Raign
Full playlist HERE
Destroyed by Secrets
COMING SOON!
Read on for a preview of Kenna & Cole’s story.
Prologue
Cole and I walk into his apartment and it’s exactly how I pictured it. Large bay windows with light shining through onto the comfortable looking sofa. “Here we are, baby.” His arms wrap around my waist and my head drops onto his shoulder. I love being in his arms.
As we make our way into the living room a photo on the fireplace sends me reeling. The day and night my life changed forever.
* * *
Making my way up the stairs to Cole’s bedroom in excitement. I just got my letter of acceptance to intern in New York, and I can’t wait to tell him. This is what I’ve been dreaming about since I was a little girl.
To make beautiful dresses for women who want to, and need to feel like princesses. As soon as I get to the top of the stairs I run into something hard. My eyes drag up the sculpted torso of Cole’s brother.
His chocolate eyes pierce me and a confident smirk curls his lips. They’re only two years apart, but Caden is more of an asshole since he’s become the manager alongside his father. They own a multitude of small businesses, and Cole wanted the position which was given to his older brother.
There was something about Caden that scared me. He was broader and taller than his brother, and always seemed to watch me. And not in the sweet brotherly way, in the way that made my skin crawl.
“Hey there, poppet. Where are you rushing off to so fast?” His dark eyes scan my heaving chest and I want to cringe.
“I was looking for Cole. Excuse me.” As I try to push past him, his hand reaches out and grips my arm.
“Not so fast, tell me something…” His gaze turns almost sinister. “When my brother is deep inside that sweet little cunt, do you ever picture me? Because when I am deep inside any pussy, your pretty eyes always stare back at me.”
A gasp tumbles from me and bile rises in my throat. I pull my arm from his hold and spin on my heel. “Don’t ever come near me again.” I hiss, but before I can leave, he says something the makes my blood turn to ice.
“Don’t worry, poppet, when my brother marries you, I’ll get my chance. And you’ll have nobody to tell, because who will he believe? His own flesh and blood, or a skanky little princess like you?”
He turns and leaves me shaking and trembling. Cole, would believe me. He’d look after me, he promised. As I step into the bedroom, my racing heart calms. “Hey, cherry pie, you look like you’ve seen a ghost. Are you okay?” I nod, shutting the door behind me, hoping Caden’s words don’t follow me in. It’s as if they’re an entity coming to take me away.
“Cole, I need to ask you something. After Caden got the position you wanted, I mean—”
“Ken, baby, I still love my brother. I would lay down my life for him. I know we fight, but that’s what families do.” His amber eyes shine bright and I realize if he had to choose between us, the choice wouldn’t be me.
It hits me suddenly that I would lose him if ever his brother spoke badly about me. And there’s nothing I can do about it. But, that’s not where our story starts… or ends.
Destroyed by Secrets
Kenna and Cole’s story coming early 2017
I can’t believe I’m typing the acknowledgements to my fourth book. It’s been a roller coaster ride that I really don’t want to get off of. This may be longer than the actual book! You’ve been warned!
Anyway, before I start rambling, let me get this out the way. This book wasn’t planned, I didn’t think anyone would want to know more about Jayce, but after readers met him in Broken by Desire, I received messages asking about his story.
And when I sat back and thought about it, he came to me, telling me his story, he told me of his heartbreak and his love. This story is special to me for many reasons, but the main one will be that all of you wanted him and that has humbled me more than you can imagine.
To start, I want to thank my husband, for his un-ending support. H
e’s given me the much needed leeway to sit behind a computer day after day crafting stories and characters. He never complains that I haven’t made dinner, or that I haven’t done the washing up, (okay, maybe just a little), but he’s been a rock for me to lean on throughout this journey.
To my BETA readers, you girls are incredible. You put up with my nagging, my moaning, and my crazy ideas and you give me the honest, and sometimes brutal advice I need to make the story better than I could have imagined. All of you have taken Jayce’s story and loved him as much as I do. I don’t know what I would do without each and every one of you.
Miriam, as always you’re the reason I am doing this. If it wasn’t for your support, your brutally honest words, and your critical eye, I wouldn’t be hitting publish on my fourth book. You were there from the start, when I wrote my first short story, and you’re still here now, putting up with me. You’re my other half, my sister, my best friend. I love you.
Selin, I really have no idea what I would do without you. Thank you doesn’t cover it. You’ve become like a sister, not just a book sister. You’re always there to listen, to support, and give honest feedback. You tell it like it is, and I respect that more than you know. You’ve had my back more times than I can count, and I can’t thank you enough for that. <3
Lizzie, my wee lassie. You’re an incredible person and I am so honored to call you a friend. We’ve shared stories, tears, and laughs, and it means everything to me to have someone there who will listen. Thank you for loving my men too, and trying to claim them all! LOL. <3
Emma and Simmy, you two ladies have been along with the crazy ride since day one and you’re still here. I’m not sure if that says something about me, or you? LOL! Thank you for all you do, I can’t say it enough. I appreciate every post, teaser, email, message. Thank you for being my BETA’s. <3
